1
as in overall
belonging or relating to the whole
a general increase in postage rates there's been a general improvement in the economy
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in broad
relating to the main elements and not to specific details
gave the general impression of being kindhearted a general course of study in American history
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in prevailing
held by or applicable to a majority of the people
it was the general opinion that the politician was a liar the general mood of the nation was one of hope and optimism
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in unlimited
not limited or specialized in application or purpose
a new kitchen tool of general usefulness a general education
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in executive
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of general
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
The Florida Panthers acquired goalie Akira Schmid from the Vegas Golden Knights, general manager Bill Zito announced late Monday night.
—
Ava Dicecca,
Sun Sentinel,
30 June 2026
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
17 June 2026
The Black general [Daniel] (Chappie) James, who was an incredibly effective fighter pilot.
—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for general
Adjective
This company does not offer general pest control services like the other providers on our list and instead focuses entirely on wildlife services.
—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
1 July 2026
The Florida Panthers acquired goalie Akira Schmid from the Vegas Golden Knights, general manager Bill Zito announced late Monday night.
—
Ava Dicecca,
Sun Sentinel,
30 June 2026
Noun
The BBC‘s new director general has announced plans to slash commissioning spend across its TV, radio, and news divisions by £80M ($107M) over the next two years.
—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
17 June 2026
The Black general [Daniel] (Chappie) James, who was an incredibly effective fighter pilot.
—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
17 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for general
Recent Examples of Synonyms for general
Adjective
-
Margarine naturally contains essential fatty acids, which are important for cell function and overall health.
-
That film, starring David Corenswet as the Man of Steel, ignited to $125 million and ended its run with $618 million, a promising enough tally amid the overall decline of comic book adaptations.
Adjective
-
Organizing the festival during wartime has given it a broader purpose, Isaienko said.
-
Products with a broad range, such as beer, would benefit from multiple subcategories, ensuring that the production process is not prioritized over the alcoholic content.
Adjective
-
The group noted the projection was revised upward from an earlier estimate owing to an additional year in the budget window and higher prevailing interest rates.
-
Likewise, prevailing concepts of Hamlet at the time cast the prince as a wan and melancholic, leading critics to bristle at Bernhardt’s energy.
Adjective
-
One handed Republicans a potentially powerful new financial advantage by allowing political parties to spend unlimited amounts in coordination with candidates.
-
Subscribe now to support our journalism and get unlimited access to our coverage.
Noun
-
The billionaire executive spent more than $110 million of his own money to win the nomination in one of the most brutal Republican primaries in modern Georgia history for the chance to take on Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms in November.
-
On Tuesday night, the New York Post reported that the woman had been identified as Angie Baez, a 40-year-old financial industry executive.
Adjective
-
The compliance requirements at a financial institution look nothing like those at a consumer software company, and generic best practices applied uniformly won't serve either one well.
-
Sensipar, which is also sold under the generic name cinacalcet hydrochloride, is prescribed to patients with chronic kidney disease and high levels of calcium in the blood related to parathyroid gland conditions, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Adjective
-
At least two other children in Florida have died in hot cars since the beginning of 2026, according to the education and public awareness group Kids and Cars.
-
Unitree has emerged as the world’s largest humanoid robot maker and is preparing for a public listing in Shanghai later this year.
Adjective
-
The four players are all currently under contract through at least the 2028-29 season, which is when Brown and Embiid could become unrestricted free agents.
-
Oubre, a 6-foot-8, 30-year-old New Orleans native was an unrestricted free agent after playing the past three seasons of an 11-year career with Philadelphia.
Cite this Entry
“General.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/general. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
